Diesel fuel is cleaner
What is diesel? It’s something we usually associate with trucks and tractors, but the benefits of using it in family cars are becoming more apparent. The difference between diesel and normal petrol is that it is heavier and oilier, meaning it evaporates slower than petrol. As a general rule, diesel is also less refined than petrol. It does not burn as hot as regular fuel and produces fewer emissions – studies have shown diesel engines to produce between 10% to 20% less greenhouse gas emissions that regular petrol engines. The design of diesel engines, which take into account the way the fuel burns and its viscosity, also helps to reduce emissions.

Diesel cars are more fuel efficient
Studies have shown that diesel engines are cheaper to run and fuel consumption can be anywhere from 20% to 40% less than a petrol engine. It’s probably the biggest reasons why more families are choosing the diesel option. However, the price of diesel can be much higher than regular unleaded petrol at the pump, particularly in regional and rural areas. Diesel engines may also not have the performance of its petrol cousin, and this is one of the main reasons why some buyers will lean towards a petrol version. But diesel engines have a lot more low-down grunt known as torque, which is why so many 4WD vehicles go for diesel.

Some costs with diesels are higher
There are several factors that can offset the immediate fuel cost savings of a diesel car. Take servicing your vehicle, for example. Diesel engines are probably going to cost more than a petrol version, whether it is a car service in Sydney, a car service in Perth or a car service in Melbourne. Do your homework first and make sure the mechanic you choose knows their way around a diesel engine. Also, it’s generally going to cost more to fix a diesel engine if something goes wrong. But the design of modern diesel engines is of the highest quality so you should have no reliability concerns when compared to a regular petrol engine. Diesel vehicles usually cost a bit more to buy than petrol versions as well, so it’s another factor you need to consider. On the plus side, insurance is likely to cost less on a diesel vehicle, so shop around for car insurance quotes.

It comes down to preference
In the end, the choice between diesel and petrol is going to come down to that vehicle’s particular characteristics. Studies have shown that when taking everything into account, the running costs over a period of years differ very little between petrol and diesel. So it will likely be performance and engine characteristics that really sway the decision.

• Licensing Requirements. Naturally there are licensing requirements. It is obvious you need a professional driving license. Because this position is more than just driving yourself, you will need a special license, be over 20 years of age, and a medical check by a registered doctor is also required. It will help if you don’t have any criminal convictions, although this is not a requirement, and will depend on the conviction. The forms for your application are available from the NSW state transport authority. The application costs around $50, and you will need to fill out the appropriate forms for your health and character/responsibility declaration.

• Improve Your Chances. Although not a requirement, it is worth investing in specialist driver training courses. Larger companies will definitely give you some training and a test, but a smaller operator might not have the resources. Be sure that you will be put through your paces a couple of times by whoever is letting you drive their car. The money spent on driver training will enhance your driving ability outside of your work, an issue that is currently being considered as a requirement for all new drivers. It will benefit you personally, and may also lower your personal insurance premiums. Remember, driving as a limousine driver will mean some specialist techniques and driving styles. Listen carefully to your potential employer.

• Remember this is Hospitality. Just like any hospitality job, your personal appearance is extremely important. Professional drivers should appear responsible, calm and reserved. This hospitality job calls for a more high-end appearance and attitude compared with most. Look and behave your utmost best.

• Finding the Right Employer. As with any other job, there is fierce competition. Finding a job might be a little harder than you think. Some professional limousine hire Sydney, are actually more like agencies for owner/drivers. It is important you understand the nature of each company before you apply. In the case where there are owner/drivers, it does not mean there is no chance for you getting work, those owner/drivers will also need a support driver because they cannot drive 24 hours day, 7 days a week. You might be employed as a casual employee, or they may want to establish a subcontractor relationship with you. Do some research on the whole market, and look at your options.

• Background Check. Whether you know it or not, any responsible company will do a background check on you. You should be prepared for this, and remember, this may include your online profiles. Many companies are turning to social media searches to dig into the history and character of a person. Make sure you have good references and a clean online profile. Your personal driving history will be an issue. If your car insurance and record looks bad, you know it will be a tough call.

Being a hybrid, its fuel consumption is incredibly low. 50 miles per gallon is easily attainable even in everyday driving on any condition. This figure grows the less you rev the engine and if you manage to maintain that way on a daily basis, it is safe to say a gallon will get you going further than 60 miles. This is because at low speeds, the engine is not used and all power is derived from the surprisingly pushy 67bhp electric motor located at the back of the car. In the event of this, logic would tell you that the car would be less noisy given that the engine is not running and the Prius proves it by providing an astoundingly silent ride during these times. Also, environmentalists will be happy to know that this hybrid has a carbon dioxide emission rating of a mere 104 g/km.

When running hand in hand with the 1.5 liter VVT-i engine which churns out 76bhp, a total amount of 143bhp gets the car running as a result. That is a more than sufficient amount to power a car of the Prius’ size and weight. This just proves that a hybrid need not compromise on overall performance to be green. A clutch-less CVT gearbox is mated to the car to complement the overall good ride and handling. The only drawbacks in this department are the electric power steering which some might find a tad too light to the touch and the use of so-called eco-friendly tires which do not give nearly as much grip as conventional ones. These are just minor considering the fact that the Prius is great as an overall package.

Open the doors and you will find that the Toyota Prius is everything a good family hatchback should be inside, probably better depending on opinion. It offers a generous amount of space and seats four adults with total comfort. Five can be a squeeze in some cases but is easily manageable nonetheless. This, combined with the generally smooth and quiet nature of the car ensures the cabin of the Prius to be a really comfortable place to be in. As for the trunk, it is really large. Both the opening and the inside of the trunk are so large to the extent that it would be a popular car among the mafia and mobsters should it lose its green credentials and get painted black. It should be noted that the battery packs of the electric motor are located near the floor of the trunk but there are no signs of it intruding into the trunk space. Three thumbs up for practicality.

The Toyota Prius offers you everything you can possibly ask for in a car; practicality, performance, comfort and most of all great mileage. Unless you are rich enough to have no care for fuel prices at all and consider a roadster practical enough for your needs, the Toyota Prius is one car that requires serious consideration.